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Free T-Mobile Signal Booster (If you qualify)

+99 Deal Score
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Last time this was posted was about a year ago:
https://slickdeals.net/f/6021070-t-mobile-offered-me-the-new-cel-fi-rs2-no-contract-extension-required-ymmv

I thought I would re-post this because more people are switching over to TMO. And after reading the last post and talking to TMO tech support they ran out of them last year.

I have the older one that only works on T-Mobile branded phones. The newer model lets you use devices that you may have brought over from other carriers to TMO.

This doesn't boost data speeds, but boost the cell signal 3G/4G (not LTE, since LTE isn't used for voice calls) for voice calls. If you have at least one bar of 3G signal you should be able to qualify for this device. Not sure if it works on prepaid plans. My works and I have full bars in my house.

All the info is on TMO's page here:
https://support.t-mobile.com/comm...al-booster

Basically call in and tell them you want a signal booster because you only have one bar in your house.
They may charge shipping, but I can usually get my waived.

Product Page
http://cel-fi.com/product/cel-fi-...r-t-mobile



"How much does a Signal Booster cost?
T-Mobile makes Signal Boosters available at no extra cost to customers who meet certain qualifications."

"Can I still obtain a Signal Booster if I don't meet the qualifications?
You may also purchase one directly from Cel-Fi."

Cel-Fi list the price to be $575.00

Amazon $575.00 + $7.49 shipping
http://www.amazon.com/New-multi-l...B00DDZZFBI

They may substitute for the older model which I have and works just as good.
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Created 04-17-2014 at 05:11 PM by HomeGrown
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Last Edited by zeta April 28, 2014 at 01:30 PM
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Quote from c00ller :
I just called. The two eligibility requirements were stated to me as follows:

1) Must get at least 1 or 2 bars of 3G/4G signal in home (by a window at least)*. If there is no signal to begin with, there is nothing to "boost".

2) Phone bill must be at least $50. My plan is above $50 but below $50 below discounts, and apparently I was eligible, so maybe YMMV depending on how closely the rep looks into it.

*The way the booster works is it has two pieces tethered together; one is placed by the window or wherever gets the strongest signal while the other is placed in a more central location of the home.

It was very easy, they didn't ask for anything else but YMMV as others have stated.

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Joined May 2012
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> bubble2 410 Posts
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thangcb88
04-18-2014 at 09:10 AM.
04-18-2014 at 09:10 AM.
Does this work in-store ?
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> bubble2 862 Posts
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Bootes
04-18-2014 at 09:11 AM.
04-18-2014 at 09:11 AM.
Quote from kalel33 :
You shouldn't have fee 200mb tablet plan unless you have voice service. It's a requirement.
No it isn't.

For people mentioning Wi-Fi calling. Wi-Fi calling isn't available on every device.

I need something like this for AT&T...
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> bubble2 138 Posts
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kklepack
04-18-2014 at 09:18 AM.
04-18-2014 at 09:18 AM.
Called T_Mobile, no problem getting one. I had to pay for shipping $16.25, but got credit on my account for $25 covering shipping charges. So shipping was free and I made almost $10. NOT BAD
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> bubble2 5,319 Posts
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niftydl
04-18-2014 at 09:18 AM.
04-18-2014 at 09:18 AM.
Quote from Bootes :
No it isn't.

For people mentioning Wi-Fi calling. Wi-Fi calling isn't available on every device.

I need something like this for AT&T...
There are many dual band repeaters that work with AT&T for the 850/1900 MHz 3G.

There is also a microcell which uses your internet connection instead of a repeater: http://www.att.com/standalone/3gm...-cl9oQpGmB
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Joined Dec 2003
CDI gave me free netflix!
> bubble2 10,993 Posts
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phonic
04-18-2014 at 09:24 AM.
04-18-2014 at 09:24 AM.
Woohoo.

We do have spotty coverage in the house and this should help. Just called the 877-453-1304 number, spoke to a very nice CSR who had no issue sending us out a booster. No charge, no shipping fee. She did mention "the only thing we ask is that, if you ever leave T-Mobile, that you return it to us", but never said anything about a fee. Though since I assume it only works with them, there would be no benefit in keeping it.

Said it should be here in ~5 business days.
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> bubble2 5,319 Posts
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niftydl
04-18-2014 at 09:30 AM.
04-18-2014 at 09:30 AM.
Quote from phonic :
Woohoo.

We do have spotty coverage in the house and this should help. Just called the 877-453-1304 number, spoke to a very nice CSR who had no issue sending us out a booster. No charge, no shipping fee. She did mention "the only thing we ask is that, if you ever leave T-Mobile, that you return it to us", but never said anything about a fee. Though since I assume it only works with them, there would be no benefit in keeping it.

Said it should be here in ~5 business days.
They will charge you up to $500 if you do not return the unit. At least my CSR made sure to read all the terms and conditions for me. I had to agree to each one with a yes. It is safer to assume you need to send the unit back in case you ever cancel service.
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Joined Oct 2011
Buy Now Think Later!!!
> bubble2 3,900 Posts
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YOURNUMBA1FAN
04-18-2014 at 09:31 AM.
04-18-2014 at 09:31 AM.
Thanks OP picked 1 up ...$7 shipping
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> bubble2 1,063 Posts
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laiyenha
04-18-2014 at 09:32 AM.
04-18-2014 at 09:32 AM.
I just figured this thing out: T-Mobile is copying "old" GM's strategy - it's cheaper to deal with a few customers than do the right thing and build more cell towers.
All kidding aside, I got approval for one last night. The CSR was so dang nice!
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phonic
04-18-2014 at 09:35 AM.
04-18-2014 at 09:35 AM.
Quote from niftydl :
They will charge you up to $500 if you do not return the unit. At least my CSR made sure to read all the terms and conditions for me. I had to agree to each one with a yes. It is safer to assume you need to send the unit back in case you ever cancel service.
I'm sure they might. But I was just pointing out that my CSR didn't mention it at all, let alone have me confirm my acceptance of the terms. While we have no intention of canceling in the near future, and I would almost certainly return it if we did, they wouldn't have a leg to stand on if we didn't. A contract requires an affirmation to be binding.


On an unrelated note, I'm a bit worried about how much power/heat this thing takes and gives off. I just read the FAQ and manual, and they mention "well ventilated area" numerous times, as well as an error message about being too hot. I hope I just didn't order a free space heater.
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nicemann
04-18-2014 at 09:36 AM.
04-18-2014 at 09:36 AM.
Quote from XealO :
Called 611, said "cancel" and spoke with, you guessed it, the nicest rep ever!. I told her I had spotty service at work, and right away she said that I qualified for a booster since there was service in my area. She automatically waived the shipping without me even asking for it. So yes it works!

But it doesn't repeat the data signal sites it? I thought it was only voice.
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niftydl
04-18-2014 at 09:44 AM.
04-18-2014 at 09:44 AM.
Quote from nicemann :
But it doesn't repeat the data signal sites it? I thought it was only voice.
The repeater works for both voice and data. The data is 3G only (HSDPA), no LTE.
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> bubble2 5,319 Posts
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niftydl
04-18-2014 at 09:47 AM.
04-18-2014 at 09:47 AM.
Quote from phonic :
I'm sure they might. But I was just pointing out that my CSR didn't mention it at all, let alone have me confirm my acceptance of the terms. While we have no intention of canceling in the near future, and I would almost certainly return it if we did, they wouldn't have a leg to stand on if we didn't. A contract requires an affirmation to be binding.


On an unrelated note, I'm a bit worried about how much power/heat this thing takes and gives off. I just read the FAQ and manual, and they mention "well ventilated area" numerous times, as well as an error message about being too hot. I hope I just didn't order a free space heater.
I have the older generation unit, and the repeater does get pretty warm. I would advice against putting it on any surface that might warp/change due to heat. I will try to hook up my Kill-A-Watt tonight to see how much both units draw. My guess would be 20-30W.

The new units are suppose to be much better with power efficiency.
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aaronbc
04-18-2014 at 10:31 AM.
04-18-2014 at 10:31 AM.
Just what I needed for work. I have a terrible signal right at my desk.
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XealO
04-18-2014 at 10:40 AM.
04-18-2014 at 10:40 AM.
Quote from nicemann :
But it doesn't repeat the data signal sites it? I thought it was only voice.
Correct. It only does the voice which is what I need. I have good WiFi coverage where I work so the data side of things is perfect. Just can't rely on 2 bars of voice signal or wifi calling for calls.
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erikiksaz
04-18-2014 at 10:52 AM.
04-18-2014 at 10:52 AM.
Got one, thanks! Backordered though
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